Schools put Chicago, other trips off-limits

November 15, 2001|By Carolyn Starks, Tribune staff reporter.

Since Sept. 11, schools across the nation have scaled back plans for long-distance field trips.

But when Crystal Lake School District 155 canceled day trips to Chicago and Milwaukee, visits to federal buildings and even school-sponsored attendance at college sports events, some parents felt the district had gone a little too far.

About 30 parents from Cary-Grove High School showed up at a school board meeting Tuesday to complain that the policy was a knee-jerk reaction that ruined even seemingly innocent events, such as a holiday choir performance at the Daley Center downtown.

Administrators said they would take a second look at the policy when they meet Thursday, with an eye toward loosening the restrictions.

But District Supt. Joseph Saban said he's still uncomfortable sending students out into a world full of uncertainties.

"The real concern is the mixed messages we have received." Saban said. "How do you make a decision when on one side [government officials] say, `Be concerned,' and on the other side they say, `Go about your business'? These kids are put in our care during the school day, and parents expect us to keep them as safe as possible while we have them."

Among those who would like to go about their business are members of the Swing Choir at Cary-Grove High School.

For years, the choir has performed a holiday concert at the Daley Center. Suzanne Suttles said she was astounded when her two sons, both choir members, told her the Dec. 17 trip--as well as a March trip to Disney World--had been canceled.

"I don't want to make light of what is going on," Suttles said. "This is a new day and we have to be more cautious. But we don't have to hide. There are too many opportunities these places offer these kids."

Sandy Wilford, mother of a senior in the Cary-Grove Swing Choir, said parents should decide whether their children go on field trips.

"What is this telling our kids?" she said "Be afraid? You can't leave Cary because it's not safe in the world?"

When news of the Sept. 11 attacks broke, District 155 administrators met to discuss how they could keep students safe. They talked about students flying on airplanes or visiting cities that could be terrorist targets, such as Chicago.

The policy they devised, which affects about 6,000 students at four high schools, prohibits district-sponsored out-of-state trips. Also prohibited are trips to Chicago; trips to sporting events where professional or university teams are playing; trips to federal buildings, nuclear power plants and amusement parks; and all airline travel. The district draws students mainly from Crystal Lake, Cary, Fox River Grove and Prairie Grove.

Other school districts across the state have placed limits on trips, especially overseas. But District 155 may be the most restrictive.

Although it's possible administrators may loosen the ban on travel to Chicago, Saban said parents should realize that many of Chicago's corporations, landmarks and buildings are taking precautions because they could be targeted by terrorists.

"These are places our kids go," Saban said. "If they are deemed to be targets, why would we consider sending our students there?"

Saban also said that he has not heard complaints from parents at the district's other three high schools--Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South and Prairie Grove.

"I have heard from parents who are in support of what we are doing," Saban said.